Anguilla has welcomed Governor Julia Crouch OBE to its shores. To coin a phrase from former parliamentarian McNiel Rogers, we wait to see what her “style, approach and attitude” will be like.
Former Governor Tim Foy OBE was welcomed to our shores in 2017. In his remarks at his welcome reception Governor Foy, in expressing how he hoped his time with us would be viewed, quoted Oscar Wilde who said, – “Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.” Governor Crouch, in her welcome remarks, made more substantive comments. She spoke directly to her expectations and intentions when she stated – “If I’m to be a good Governor I will need your support, your challenge and your advice.”
It is early days still, and therefore it is unwise to make a determination about the type of Governor Julia Crouch will be. What can be said is that, to date, there is a feeling that she is saying and doing the right things. Her welcome remarks were well received as, it seems, were her interactions at her welcome reception.
A new Governor’s visits to the various constituencies are standard practice. Governor Crouch’s visits, however, appear to be more people-centred than the visits of other governors. This might be to the credit of the constituency representatives, but one is left with a sense that the Governor connected with the people she met and did not merely seek to discharge her duty as a Governor. She seemed more intent on engaging with the people she met than having those moments captured on camera. It is hoped that this is an indication that the Governor will, throughout her tenure, demonstrate a greater concern for substance than for form.
The Governor’s recent engagement with the press is hopefully an indication of her willingness to communicate meaningfully and regularly with the populace on matters of national interest. Her candid remarks in relation to the Quincia Gumbs-Marie saga are considered the only substantive observation to have been made by anyone occupying or acting in the office of Governor to date. Her acceptance that it is for the Premier to determine what action, if any, is to be taken in relation to one of his ministers should be taken as a sign of respect for the different roles and authority of Governor and Premier. Hopefully, the Premier will take note and recognise and exert his authority and not be cowed, when engaging with British officials, into accepting arrangements that bring short term benefits to Anguilla with likely long-term disadvantages.
While the signs are good, we can only cross our fingers and toes and hope for the best as we await the unfolding of Governor Crouch’s ‘style, approach and attitude.’ We see glimmers of hope for the dawn of an era of real transparency and honest communication if Governor Crouch continues on her current path. If this is complemented by reporters who are sufficiently astute and courageous enough to ask the difficult questions, it will be to Anguilla’s benefit. In this respect Radio Anguilla’s young reporter, Niamke Brooks, must be commended. His questioning of Premier Webster has allowed the public a clear indication of the Premier’s position as to his response to the Quincia Gumbs-Marie saga. After more than three months, the Governor’s observations and the Premier’s response to Mr. Brooks’ question has afforded us our first real glimmer of the position of Governor and Premier on this matter.
The Governor appears willing. Will reporters rise to the challenge and engage with the Governor so that her style, approach, and attitude becomes apparent? We can only hope.
